GerDay All,

The reality of this site is that it is a radio related site, rather than purely CB/11metres. I say this because a large number of those logged on to thi site are not "just" CBers, or "only" interested in 11 metres. Many of those registered on this site are hams as well.

I thought I may ask those of you who are not hams a couple of questions, as well as ask those who have "taken advantage" of the opportunity of the "new Foundation" licence about their experiences.

One of the issues I have had with the way the Amateur Radio fraternity have presented (marketed) themselves to non hams is that it is more often than not presented as some "pinnacle" and shrouded in mystery. This, I might add, is abject B/S, because it is a fun form of radio, just as is and was 27 Megs and so forth.

For generations, the "powers that be" of ham radio have continually tried to present Amateur Radio is a group of some sort of Professor Julius Sumner-Miller look alikes, doing wierd and wonderful experiments in some dim, dank, dark, underground laboratories, largely being as anti social as possible. They have presented the hobby as "exclusive" and "too bloody hard" for "mere mortals" to achieve. Even the current "hand out" (or brochure) speaks of (to quote) "we need more scientists" and such.

I might add that I have written to the WIA on this matter, as well as loudly commented upon my thoughts on air, so there is no secret about my views!

My first question is to those of you who may be interested in gaining your "ham" licence (but haven't taken the plunge). Do you feel that the powers that be, in Oz, have made an appealing case for you to sit for the Foundation licence and, perhaps, at a latter date, progress? If not, what would be the best way that they could present that particular extension of your hobby in such a way that you WOULD want to sit?

My next questions are to those of you who have taken the plunge and gained the Foundation. On balance, would you say that you have been made welcome and are you glad you obtained the licence? Additionally, do you think that the short course prior to sitting for the examination (and the test itself) adequately prepared you for the changes in manner of operation that you encountered? Or did you think that there were no changes, perhaps, once you got "on air", legitimately, on 80, 40, 15, 10, 2 and 70 centimetres?

I am NOT trying to "drum up" more hams, as such, as I believe each and every one of us should pursue our hobby and our dreams at the niche` that suits us - for some, that is "freebanding", whilst for others it is extreme technology - each to their own.

I am, however, thinking that if you want to find out whether you are reaching your "market" (or audience), the best way is to ask them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be interested in the responses. For those who may NOT wish to respond publicly, you may email me at indy at six dot net dot ay ewe! :-)

Kindest Regards

Indy